Symmetrical All wheel drive
The fourth generation Outback all-purpose wagon boasts a unique set of technical attributes and as a result doesn’t suffer from compromised dynamics. This is achieved by combining the inherently low centre of gravity of a Boxer horizontally-opposed engine with Subaru’s Symmetrical All Wheel Drive system, and driving all the wheels all of the time. In the case of two-pedal models an Active Torque Split system with an integral multiplate clutch distributes drive forces, while the manual transmission utilizes an electronically-controlled centre differential with a viscous limited slip unit.
Factor in over 210 mm of ground clearance and the case for so-called serious SUVs looks decidedly flimsy.
The Outback uses the same sophisticated McPherson strut-type front suspension/double wishbone rear suspension as the Legacy but with spring rates and travel tuned to take into account the elevated ride height. In addition, the rear suspension has a self-levelling function, ensuring that the body remains on an even keel when heavily laden, or when towing.

Boxer Engine
Depending on the model, Outback is available with either the Lineartronic CVT, an intelligent five-speed automatic, or with a close ratio six-speed manual.
Four-cylinder petrol-powered Outbacks boast a powerplant configured to enhance drivability between 2 000 and 4 000 revs/min with rewards for everyday economy too: the Outback 2.5 Lineartronic achieves a combined cycle fuel consumption of 8.4 litres per 100 km. The Outback is also available with the acclaimed 2.0-litre turbodiesel Boxer, a powerplant which sets a new standard for refinement and efficiency.

The flagship of the Outback range is the 3.6R Premium, a status conferred on it by a six-cylinder engine. Variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust valves, allows the power delivery to be optimised across a broad operating range while optimizing fuel efficiency.
A feature exclusive to this model is SI-Drive, or Subaru Intelligent-Drive.  Three settings (Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp) effectively mean three different personas in one car: it optimises fuel efficiency (savings of 10 percent can be achieved in this mode) and comfort in stop-start city traffic, provides lively responses in flowing freeway or town traffic, or makes the Outback into a sporty drive on the open road – just by twisting a beautifully weighted knurled wheel on the centre console.

Transmission
Subaru’s reputation is built on combining passive and active safety like no other brand. Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive and its many advantages is the most obvious ‘active’ technology and it is always ‘on’, providing a security blanket without the driver necessarily being aware of it. The principal is simple: a permanent all-wheel-drive layout ensures the wheels which can use the torque most effectively get it when they need it. The application is more complicated (and on all Subaru vehicles works in tandem with Vehicle Stability Control) but since 1972, when the first AWD passenger car went on sale, Subaru has relentlessly been perfecting and improving the technology.

The passive safety comes from a bodyshell strengthened selectively by using four distinct grades of steel, the hardest of which is reserved for critical areas. Then there’s a revolutionary frontal impact zone incorporating a ‘cradle frame’ to carry the engine and other drivetrain hardware. This has allowed a larger deformation zone to be incorporated, while the cradle’s design causes the engine to slide down and under the car.

Subaru’s acclaimed ring-shaped reinforcement frame structure ensures the passenger compartment retains its integrity in a roll-over accident by creating circles of strength both horizontally and vertically. All Outbacks also boast a seventh, knee airbag, to protect the driver’s knees and lower legs. Dual front, side and curtain airbags are fitted, with the location of the sensors in the body optimized for faster response in a wider variety of accident situations and even the folding method and shape of the airbag have been further optimised for rapid deployment and improved protection.